Whether it was by design or due to backlash, Microsoft is moving on to chapter 2 of their new marketing campaign. If you haven’t heard the latest on this one, it goes a little something like this…

A new 60-second spot breaking today for Microsoft from agency Crispin Porter & Bogusky opens with a dead ringer for actor John Hodgman, who plays PC in Apple’s popular “Mac vs. PC” advertising campaign. “Hello. I’m a PC. And I’ve been made into a stereotype,” the character in Microsoft’s ad laments.

So you say you’re not that stereotype.  Just to make sure we’re all on the same page (via Wikipedia):

A stereotype (from Greek: stereo + týpos = “solid impression”) is a generalized perception of first impressions: beliefs, and behaviors presumed by a group of people judging with the eyes/criticizing ones outer appearance(or a population in general) to be associated with another specific group. … A stereotype can be a conventional and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image, based on the assumption that there are attributes that members of the “other group” have in common. Stereotypes are sometimes formed by a previous illusory correlation, a false association between two variables that are loosely correlated if correlated at all. Though generally viewed as negative perceptions, stereotypes may be either positive or negative in tone.

Hmmm…so here’s where things get interesting. Not having seen this spot yet, I have to wonder if Microsoft is now going to presume that the stereotype of Microsoft put forth by all those Apple ads is truly the stereotype that everyone shares of Microsoft. Given what I’ve read and seen, I think the answer is “yes.” Splitting hairs here? Perhaps. But my perception of Microsoft is not just about what a PC can’t do that is considered easier on a Mac. It’s more about a money-grubbing megalith of a corporation that is generally faceless and lacking humanity.

So I was surprised to see something very interesting in the corner of the pic that’s floating around with articles regarding the second phase of this campaign — an email address. Sean@Windows.com. So I decided to send Sean a note.

Here’s your chance, Sean. Now that you’ve given yourself a face, show me how you’re not that stereotype.

(And for the record, I subscribe to the notion that the job dictates the tool…and thus the platform that is most appropriate to get it done. So PC vs. Mac is relative to me. Know when you need a sledgehammer and when you need a chisel.)